Cavs pick up trio from Memphis

Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired a trio
of players and a draft pick from Memphis as part of a trade that will help the
Grizzlies avoid paying the luxury tax this season.

"Marreese will strengthen our front court, while Wayne and Josh will add depth
to our back court," said Cavs general manager Chris Grant in a statement
Tuesday. "At the same time, we are adding a valuable asset with another future
first-round pick, while also maintaining our future flexibility."

The Cavs will receive Memphis' first-round pick in the first available year,
which is two years after Memphis has satisfied its current pick obligation to
Minnesota. Starting in 2015, the pick could be conveyed to the Cavaliers. The
pick is protected one-five and 15-30 in 2015 and 2016 (meaning the Cavaliers
would acquire a 6-14 pick) and the pick is protected one-five in 2017 and
2018. If the pick has not been conveyed by 2018, it becomes unprotected in
2019.

Cleveland needed front court help after it was revealed Monday that center
Anderson Varejao will be lost for the season because of a blood clot.

The swap will free up some $6 million to keep the Grizzlies under the luxury
tax threshold. Memphis would have had to pay $4 million for being over the
line.

Speights has started just twice in 40 games this season and is averaging 6.5
points with 4.7 rebounds. He started 54 times in 60 games with the Grizzlies
last season after spending his first three NBA seasons with Philadelphia. The
Florida product has averaged 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in 305 NBA games.

Selby has appeared in 38 games over two seasons with the Grizzlies and this
season is averaging 2.0 points in 10 outings, while Ellington is in his first
season with Memphis after spending three years with Minnesota. The former
North Carolina star is averaging 5.5 points in 40 games this season and has
averaged 6.3 points in 229 NBA games.

Leuer has appeared in just nine games for the Cavs this season after playing
46 games last season as a rookie with Milwaukee. He has averaged 4.4 points
and 2.4 rebounds in 55 games.

In addition, Cleveland also waived guard Jeremy Pargo to add roster space for
the new acquisitions.